Valentina Cortese backdrop
ACTING . Acting . 96 years (deceased) . Milan, Lombardy, Italy

Valentina Cortese_

Milan, Lombardy, Italy

"Born — Died "

Born Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Birthday
96
Lived
50
Credits
Actor
Known For
0.6
Popularity
52 yrs
Career
Updated Feb 20, 2026

Details

Known For
Actor
Birthday
(Monday)
Died
Birthplace
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Nationality
Languages
Italian
Spouse
Richard Basehart (1951-1960)
Children
1 child: Jackie Basehart
Residences
Milan
Chinese Zodiac
猪 Pig
Popularity
Tier C -- 6,297 Wikipedia views/month

DROPTHE_ GOSSIP

Valentina Cortese is known for acting.
Born in Milan, Lombardy, Italy (died at age 96).
Valentina Cortese has 50 credits in our database.

DROPTHE GOOD_

18
Notable
out of 100
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Human Impact
0
Innovation
0
Giving
0
Sustainability
100
Cultural Uplift
81
Public Vote
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Filmography (50)

Sparrow
Sparrow
1994 / Film
Film
Buster's Bedroom
Buster's Bedroom
1991 / Film
Film
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
1988 / Film
Film
Young Toscanini
Young Toscanini
1988 / Film
Film
Tango Blu
Tango Blu
1987 / Film
Film
Via Montenapoleone
Via Montenapoleone
1987 / Film
Film
When Time Ran Out
When Time Ran Out
1980 / Film
Film
Satan's Wife
Satan's Wife
1979 / Film
Film
Tanto va la gatta al lardo...
Tanto va la gatta al lardo...
1978 / Film
Film
Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus of Nazareth
1977 / TV
Herodias

Biography

Valentina Cortese (January 1, 1923 - July 10, 2019) was an Italian film actress. The Milan-born actress starred in The House on Telegraph Hill (1951) directed by Robert Wise, and costarring Richard Basehart and William Lundigan. Cortese, aged 28, married Basehart in 1951, and had one son with him before they divorced in 1960. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1975 for her performance in François Truffaut's Day for Night. Cortese appeared in Jules Dassin's Thieves' Highway (1949), Joseph L. Mankiewicz's The Barefoot Contessa (1954), Michelangelo Antonioni's Le Amiche (1955), Gérard Brach's The Boat on the Grass, Terry Gilliam's The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), and in the Franco Zeffirelli projects such as the 1972 film Brother Sun, Sister Moon, his 1977 miniseries, Jesus of Nazareth and the 1993 film Sparrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was Valentina Cortese?
Valentina Cortese was born on and passed away on at the age of 96.
Where was Valentina Cortese born?
Valentina Cortese was born in Milan, Lombardy, Italy.
What movies or shows has Valentina Cortese been in?
Valentina Cortese has 50 credits in our database. Notable titles include Sparrow (1994), Buster's Bedroom (1991), The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), Young Toscanini (1988), Tango Blu (1987).
What is Valentina Cortese known for?
Valentina Cortese is primarily known as an actor. Valentina Cortese (January 1, 1923 - July 10, 2019) was an Italian film actress. The Milan-born actress starred in The House on Telegraph Hill (1951)…
Where can I find more information about Valentina Cortese?
You can find more about Valentina Cortese on IMDB, TMDB, Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.
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